Summary of useful medical treatments in valvar heart disease
| Lesion | Symptom control | Secondary prevention and natural history |
|---|---|---|
| ACE, angiotensin converting enzyme. | ||
| Aortic stenosis | Diuretics for heart failure. Nitrates and β blockers for angina | No proven treatment but lipid lowering therapy may slow progression of calcific aortic stenosis |
| Mitral stenosis | Diuretics for heart failure. Digoxin, β blockers, and rate limiting calcium antagonists for rate control in atrial fibrillation | Penicillin prophylaxis against recurrent episodes of rheumatic fever. Anticoagulants to prevent systemic thromboembolism |
| Aortic regurgitation | Diuretics and vasodilators (usually ACE inhibitors) for heart failure | Vasodilators (nifedipine or ACE inhibitors) to protect the left ventricular myocardium and delay the need for surgery |
| Mitral regurgitation | Diuretics and vasodilators (usually ACE inhibitors) for heart failure | No proven treatment |